Leadin’ the way, and lookin’ back... This is how I spent everyday, all day last summer, leading rides and looking back to keep an eye on the riders behind me. Talk about multitasking! Last year, my husband Phil and I opened up Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming. It’s a place for those who don’t have a horse a chance to ride, or for those who don’t know how to ride an opportunity to learn and experience what it’s like to ride a horse. It’s a great activity for family and friends to have some fun together outside in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. It was something I always wanted to do ever since I was a kid going to Girl Scout horse camp. What a glamorous job, I thought, to work with horses and ride everyday. And with the first year under our belt, I still think it’s a glamorous job. I love being with the horses and riding everyday. I love seeing the delight in a kid or new riders face when they realize they have control of this big, strong animal! So I’ve spent some time looking back—I have to! And I’m going to buck the theory: don’t look back. We don’t want to make the same mistakes of the past, and maybe we’d like to repeat some successes. This is exactly why I decided to get Pet Set Horse Source back into circulation. When I look back at past issues I can’t help but think what a good thing it was! It brought us pet people together for local events; it promoted our businesses that had an interest to reach out to us, and of course, we all love the photos! I loved putting it together too, and the diversity of a little bit of writing, having direct control of ad design and layout (I still remember doing a cut-and-paste newspaper layout in grammar school and I was so into it!) and being in touch with horse and dog lovers of the U.P. and helping to bring this active and enthusiastic group to area business people. I’ve also spent some time this winter looking back at last summer of our first year running this trail riding operation. Yes, this is a dream come true for me, but it wasn’t a walk in the flower field either. It was hard work and we spent many long hot days in the saddle, riding mostly the same trails all day, and taking care of 10 some horses! We had our ups and downs and, believe me, came to a few realizations of what this business is all about! And when I say we, I don’t mean just Phil and I—we could have never pulled this off by ourselves. An amazing group of wrangler girls materialized before our eyes; a group of girls with the same passion for horses and everything that goes with them but without an outlet or a place to realize that passion. They spent many hours riding the same trails with me pulling up the rear, taking care of our riders, ponying a horse if need be, and sometimes leading a ride to give me a break. We cleaned pens and water troughs, saddled horses often twice a day, blazed trails and chased loose goats around! With these girls and a few handy guys who helped out with some of the other heavy duty farm maintenance stuff, we formed what we call our barn family....our barn family made Heritage Hills Horseback Riding possible. continued on page 3 Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 1
Spring 2011 • Volume 11 PUBLISHER & EDITOR-In-CHIEF Joni Gleason GRAPHIC DESIGN Joni Gleason COPY EDITOR Jacquelyn Laitala Julie Savola CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jane Carmichael, Gail L. Hoholik DVM, Scott Jandron DVM, Janet Rohde, Julie Savola, Joy Smith
Pet Set Horse Source is a magazine for the pet lovers of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is published three times a year—spring, summer, fall—and is available (free) at veterinary offices, tack and feed stores, pet shops, grooming salons and other various businesses across the U.P.
Join us on Facebook! Questions? Comments? Advertising inquiries? Or to submit an article or photos: Contact Joni Gleason (906)361-4456 jonigleason@att.net Published by: Companion Publishing 255 W. Water St. Negaunee, MI 49866 WWW.PETSETHORSESOURCE.COM Page 2 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
I hope you enjoy this newest issue of Pet Set Horse Source; I hope it connects you in some way to a new product, an event or activity you didn’t know about, or you learned something new. I also encourage your input, anything you can think of that would make this magazine better. Shoot me an email or give me a call. You can also join our Facebook Fan page—it’s a great way to get the latest info and connect with me and others regarding articles, deadlines, distribution dates and more. Don’t be shy to suggest an article idea or send me a photo or two of your pets—we may spotlight them in our popular photo centerfold! And don’t be shy or apprehensive to come out to Heritage Hills for a horse ride; I would love to meet you in person, and I guarantee, I’ll be lookin’ back to keep a close eye on you.
—Joni
Squirrel
Billy
Lee
Phil
Jaime
Thom
Karen
Tara Sarah
Toni
Amanda
This issue is dedicated to our barn family at Heritage Hills Horseback Riding; Thank you for making our first year a success! And to my husband Phil who believed in me from the very start, made my dream his mission, and made this all possible. Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 3
C ON T E N T S
22 EQUINE TRAILWAYS SUBCOMMITTEE BY JANE CARMICHAEL: Progress for U.P. trail expansion resulting from the Right to Ride Bill.
Photo: Annual Champion Fall Color Ride 2010
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HUMAN MEDICINES FOR PETS BY SCOTT JANDRON, DVM: Mistakes of well meaning owners.
METABOLIC 24 EQUINE SYNDROME BY GAIL HOHOLIK, DVM: Is your horse overweight?
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SPOTLIGHT ON KELLY DEVOOGHT: Local trainer with bigtime achievements
PLAYING WITH COWS BY JULIE
26 SAVOLA: It’s a popular growing equine sport in the U.P.
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AMERICAN COMPETITIVE TRAIL HORSE ASSOCIATION BY JANET RODHE: UP Rodeo to host ride in Iron River.
EMOTIONS OF PET LOSS BY
28 JOY SMITH: Getting through the heartbreak.
TALES FROM A DOG OBEDI-
12 ENCE INSTRUCTOR BY JULIE SAVOLA: Volume 1.
17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS GREAT LAKES RODEO BY 21 JESIE MELCHIORI
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COVER PHOTO: Critter Clicks by Christa www.critterclicks.com
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 5
Human Medicines For Pets? by Scott Jandron, DVM
Howie
Bruiser was a 12-week-old Saint Bernard puppy. One day he jumped off the couch and hurt his leg. The owner hurried to the medicine cabinet to find something to ease his pain. It upset him to see his new family member in distress. As he reached for the ibuprofen, he wondered what the dose would be for a large pup. Bruiser was large, even for a pup, so the owner thought it would be alright to give him an adult human dose, and within an hour he did feel much better. The next day, however, Bruiser began vomiting and seemed very weak. The owner rushed him into the veterinary clinic only to find that Bruiser had suffered kidney damage from the ibuprofen. This is a common and unfortunate story.
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buprofen toxicity is the most common toxicity in pet dogs and cats. Usually it is the result of a well-meaning owner just trying to help their pet feel better. Unfortunately what they don’t realize is that many human medications can make cats and dogs very ill, possibly even killing them. Owners need to also take precaution to prevent pets from getting access to medications. Many pills have a sweet outer coating and pets will pick them off the floor or actually break open a bottle that they find on the counter and consume them. The list of NSAID (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory) medicines or other pain relievers available to people today is mind boggling. They range from over-the-counter (OTC) ones like Tylenol to prescription ones
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like Vicodin. Most of these are not safe to use in dogs. The toxic effects of these generally involve anemia, stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or liver failure. Ibuprofen, as mentioned before, is the generic name that can be sold under the brand names Motrin and Advil. Acetaminophen is the generic name that is sold as Tylenol, but is also an ingredient in many prescription pain medications such as Vicodin, Lortab, Anexsia, and Darvocet. Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be found in many OTC cough/cold medications. Naproxen is a generic name of another unsafe medication. It is sold under brand names such as Aleve, Naprosyn, and Anaprox. With the availability of approved NSAIDs for dogs, none of the above medications should be used in their place.
Aspirin can be used on occasion with dogs but only for short term pain relief. Long term usage puts them at risk for stomach ulcers. Generally the decision to use aspirin versus a prescription NSAID is based on affordability by the owner. I cannot stress the importance of communicating with your veterinarian so this medicine can be used safely. It is important to remember that there are veterinary NSAIDS that are approved for use in dogs. Some of these are Rimadyl, Previcox, and Metacam. You may have heard or read stories on the benefits and risks of these medications as well. The three I mentioned have had very good track records of safety. As with any medication, with the close guidance of your veterinarian, you can properly treat and monitor your dog in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks during the time they are being treated. When it comes to cats, it is important to know that there are very few NSAIDS that are safe to use. They are extremely sensitive to the toxic effects of most of these medications. Even the “children’s” dose of Tylenol or Advil can kill a cat. The few veterinary NSAIDS that are available for use in cats are considered “off label” products and should only be used under the strict guidance of your veterinarian. I want everyone to be aware of the dangers of certain medications in our dogs and cats. Although there are many human medications that we can safely use with our pets, there are far more that can be very harmful to them. It is always best to call your veterinarian before giving any medications to your pets. Dr. Scott Jandron has been practicing companion animal medicine in the IshpemingNegaunee area since 1993, and is currently co-owner of Northern Veterinary Associates in Ishpeming. He is a regular contributor to Pet Set Horse Source. He welcomes your petrelated questions; send them to: Scott Jandron, DVM 661 Palms Avenue Ishpeming, MI 49849 Or e-mail: srjandron@chartermi.net Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 7
Spotlight on Kelly DeVooght
owner & trainer of KT Quarter Horses
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orn and raised in Skandia, Michigan, Kelly (Peterson) DeVooght has been riding and showing horses since she was 4 years old. She knew at a very young age that training horses were her passion and was already breaking and training her own horses at the age of 10. At 16 she was crowned rodeo queen in our historical Iron River Rodeo. After high school, Kelly worked with Lynn Palm and went on to work for a very wellknown Quarter Horse trainer Jim McKillips in Illinois. It was there she learned to fine-tune show horses. While traveling to AQHA shows from Wisconsin to Florida, Kelly spent a lot of time coaching clients, both youth & amateurs. After a few years she decided to bring her knowledge back home and opened up shop in Skandia where she still resides with her husband Tim, son Craig, and daughter Casey. While showing in local show circuits in the beginning of her career, Kelly also coached many local people on riding skills; proper body position, learning to feel their horse through movement and how to have a better understanding of their mount. Using her finely tuned skills she often matched up horse and rider teams with great success. Kelly has even coached a couple of girls to royal victory; helping them to earn their Iron River Rodeo queen titles. For the past 10 years Kelly has been showing in the AQHA & Buckskin show circuits; traveling to lower Michigan, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. In the last 8 years, she has trained and shown 4 world champions, 12 reserve world champions, and many top 5's. At the American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) World Show Kelly’s KT Dun A Little received the 2010 ABRA All Around horse award in the Open Division. This same horse was chosen the 2010 ABRA all around horse in the nation for the Buckskin Horse Association of Michigan. She started riding reining horses 7 years ago and lead the nation with most points earned overall for 2 years on her reining mare, Okie Gone N Dunit. Page 8 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
Kelly’s 2 kids, Craig and Casey didn’t just sit on the sidelines through all this action, they wanted to achieve success with a world or reserve world champion title too! So mounted on a couple young horses that Kelly raised and trained, with lots of dedication and hours in the saddle, they as a family accomplished just that. Both Craig and Casey earned world & reserve world champion titles! Only a mother, coach, and trainer knows how much this means to them and it is a memory they will cherish forever. Kelly has very well-rounded and versatile skills. She can train a horse for halter, English or Western pleasure, reining, barrels, trail riding or cow/ranch work. She enjoys being a riding instructor and looks forward to seeing each and every one of her student’s accomplishments, whether big or small. Kelly will be sticking a little closer to home this year, freeing up some time for group clinics. Her first scheduled clinic is on May 21st in Pelkie, and in addition will be doing regular lessons and clinics at Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming. You may be able to catch her at a few local team pennings too! If you’re interested in riding lessons or holding a clinic with Kelly in your area give her a call. She’s available to help you and your horse achieve your goals!
The DeVooghts, from left Craig, Tim, Kelly, and Casey on Kt Dun A Little.
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 9
Get Your Best Trail Horse Ready! American Competitive Trail Association Ride in Iron River Hosted by the Upper Peninsula Rodeo
Horse
by Janet Rohde
W
hile searching for a new fundraiser, the Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo Board connected with the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) to sponsor a trail ride. Historically, ACTHA members sought venues where they could enjoy their horses and the wonderful scenery around them. They also wanted some challenge and a chance to learn as well as show off their horse’s talents. The Rodeo Board saw an opportunity where both organizations could benefit. The U.P. Championship Rodeo Competitive Trail Ride will be held on Saturday, June 11, in Iron River. Participants must be a member of ACTHA and can register online at www.actha.us. For those who are interested in the competitive trail ride in Iron River, the event offers a great day on the trails: Check-in is Friday after 5 p.m. or Saturday before 8:30 a.m. A breakfast is served at 8 with a riders’ briefing to follow. The ride-out is from 10 to 11 a.m. on a sixto seven-mile trail taking from 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Lunch will be served with awards to follow.
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Entries limited to first 100. Prizes will be offered for first through sixth place Open/Pleasure/Junior divisions. There is also a best dog, best dressed male/female and best groomed horse in each division. ACTHA trail rides are held all over the United States, all year long, by enabling others to hold these wonderful casual competitions through its affiliate program. An affiliate can be an individual, club or any organization wanting to raise funds. ACTHA provides assistance and aids, as well as a consulting member of ACTHA’s management team that joins with the affiliate every step of the way. The U.P. Championship Rodeo is one of many ride hosts, but the only one in the Upper Peninsula at this time. This year, the rodeo is in its 44th year as a quality PRCA rodeo and is proud to be offering an ACTHA trail ride.
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 11
Tales from a Dog Obedience Instructor
Vol 1 - Instant Dog Training
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nstant potatoes, instant messaging, instant movie downloads. The fact that the title caught your attention goes to show you how our society has affected us and taught us we can get anything we want – just add water. Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news but training your dog to be the wonderful obedient partner you know he can be will not be achieved in an instant. There is a commitment involved most especially if you choose to enroll in a dog obedience class with your dog and I would be doing both of us a disservice by not clueing you into that. There are plenty of shortcuts that will get you there sooner than later (we will discuss these in the issues to come), but surprisingly enough, a good portion of that training will be for you and not your dog. As a dog obedience instructor for better than 20 years I have learned numerous secrets for dog training success from the best trainers in the world and found the best method out there. What is it? In my classes I try to only use the method that works. That will be little snatches from all of them applied in the appropriate situation. No matter what method is used there is a commitment necessary by the handler to work hard to improve themselves as a trainer. Don’t let the word commitment scare you, you don’t have to take a two year course, just decide you want to take some responsibility Page 12 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
by Julie Savola
for your success, good and bad. There are secrets to successful dog training I share with every student I teach and I will share them with you. They are: Timing, repetition, consistency and appropriate feedback; only preceded by logic and common sense. Yes, exactly. If you get these concepts you will train most dogs with ease. You see, rarely have I ever seen a true moron for a dog. More often, and this will scare you, I find a dog with incredible intelligence that has honed his people training skills. You may have worked your way to the top of the food chain folks, but your dog has you by his little paw. It is up to you to fulfill your role as the trainer, and to do that you need to work a bit on your skills. When you do you will see an enormous change in your success. In the next issue we will talk about a few of those secret shortcuts. Until next time- SIT & STAY Julie Savola operates her dog obedience instruction under the name K9 Basic O and has been helping UP dog owners train their dogs for over 20 years. She lives in Munising with her husband, Jerry, her Doberman, Doc, TBear, a miniature horse she is training for therapy work and two riding horses; Moe, a Tennessee Walking Horse and her new horse Byrd, a Quarter Horse she purchased for Team Penning.
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 13
Cleo Jazz, Karen Jane & Cree
Send us your photos or artwork and be part of this popular feature...
Thanks Fox Negaunee for sponsoring our Pet Set Horse Source photo centerfold!
Sammy & JJ T-Bear Buddy
T-Bear & Julie Sister,Zeke, Buddy, Ripley
Joni, Big John, Joyce & Jake
Tanner U.P. 200, 2010
Team Penning 2010
Page 14 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
Baily
e
ce Gloria
Great Lakes Rodeo 2010
Photos by Thom Skelding
painting by Bette Rowe Pallos www.betterowepallos.com Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 15
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Calendar Spring
2011
Please submit your summer pet-related events by May 15 to: Companion Publishing 255 W. Water St., Negaunee, MI 49866 or e-mail: jonigleason@att.net
APRIL EVENTS 1 - DeYoung Zoo. Season opening. Wallace, Mich. www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com 7/8 – Horse-A-Rama. Manitowoc, Wis. www.horse-a-rama.org 9 - Lake Superior Pony Club Mounted Meeting. www.lakesuperiorponyclub.webs.com.
15/17 - Midwest Horse Fair. Madison, WI. www.midwesthorsefair.com. 23 - Big Bay Pony Club Mounted Meeting. Escanaba. www.bigbayponyclub.tripod.com 30/ May 2 - Lee Smith, Foundation & Advanced Horsemanship. Appleton, WI. Contact Molly Mueller 920-989-1041. www.leesmithdiamonds.com
Use this convenient calendar to keep tract of important dates and events!
DeYoung Zoo Opening
Horse-A-Rama, Manitowoc, WI Mid-West Horse Fair, Madison, WI
Lee Smith Clinic Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 17
MAY EVENTS 5 - Big Bay Pony Club Unmounted Meeting. Escanaba. www.bigbayponyclub.tripod.com. 7 - “Claws for Paws” Dinner Dance. Upfront & Co., Marquette. Call 475-6661. 15 - DeYoung Zoo Pony Rides. Wallace, Mich. www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com 21 - 4 UKC Agility Trials. Bay De Noc Kennel Club. www.baydenockennelclub.com
21 - Superior Pony Club Mounted Meeting. www.bigbayponyclub.tripod.com 21 - BCF Reining/Trail Class Clinic. Featuring Kelly DeVooght. Baraga County Fairgrounds, Pelkie. Contact Lori 353-8508. wwwrustyspurhorseblub.net 22 - DeYoung Zoo Pony Rides. Wallace, Mich. www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com 21/22 - Bay de Noc Kennel Club 2nd Annual Spring Fling. U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba. Contact Jean Lyle, 786-1719 www.baydenockennelclub.com 27 - Grand reopening of Heritage Hills Horseback Riding. Ishpeming. www.heritagehillshorsebackriding.com 27/28/29 - GLR Cowboy Challenge / UPHA open show. Marquette County Fairgrounds. http://www.upha.net 28/29/30 - DeYoung Zoo Pony Rides. Wallace, Mich. www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com
JUNE EVENTS 2 - Big Bay Pony Club Unmounted Meeting. Escanaba. www.bigbayponyclub.tripod.com. 4 - BCF Open Horse Show “Hairball Classic.” Baraga County Fairgrounds, Pelkie. Contact Lori 353-8508. wwwrustyspurhorseclub.net 4 - Summer Solstice Schooling Show. U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba. Contact Judy Izzi 906-384-6955 or 906-399-6056, glen_izzi@yahoo.com. 5 - Motor City Viper Club Visits. The Viper Club is taking their annual "Fun Run" to visit us at The DeYoung Family Zoo. Wallace, Mich. www.thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com 11/12 - Lincoln County Rodeo Days. Merrill, Wis. www.lincolncountyrodeo.com Page 18 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
Becca rides Sundae & Samantha rides Jake at Heritage Hills Hold on to your calendars! Get them signed, marked, stamped: Ride Five times @ Get the 6th ride FREE!
Lee Smith Clinic
Claws for Paws Dinner Dance
BCF ReiningTrail Clinic
GLR Cowboy Challenge OPENING WEEKEND!
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 19
11 - American Competitive Trail Ride. Hosted by the U.P. Championship Rodeo. Iron River. www.ACTHA.com
18/19 - Great lakes Rodeo. Marquette County Fairgrounds. Call 906-361-4572. www.greatlakesrodeo.com
11/12 - Marquette County Horse Club UPHA open Show. Marquette County Fairgrounds. Contact Andi Goriesky 906942-711 http://www.upha.net
18 - BCF Fair Benefit Game Show. Baraga County Fairgrounds, Pelkie.
11/12 - Upper Michigan Gold Quarter Horse Shows. U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba. Sponsored by Circle M Country. Contact Dave 906-789-9175. 11/12 - Timber Trails Pleasure Show / Sunday Speed Show. Houghton County Fairgrounds. www.timbertrails.webs.com 21/25 - Big Bay Pony Club Summer Camp. Escanaba. www.bigbayponyclub.tripod.com 10/16 - 61st Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. Enjoy lilac symposium with the International Lilac Society, Lilac Festival 10K, wine tastings, street dancing, musical performances, the dog and pony show and the all-horse-hitch grand parade. www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org
24 - Take Your Dog to Work Day. www.takeyourdog.com 25/26 - Julie Hill Agility Seminar. Bay de Noc Kennel Club outdoor agility field. www.baydenockennelclub.com 25/26 - Timber Trails Pleasure Show / Sunday Speed Show. Houghton County Fairgrounds. www.timbertrails.webs.com
ACTHA Ride Iron River Great Lakes Rodeo
Great Lakes Rodeo Agility Seminar Page 20 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
Take your dog to work day
Agility Seminar
Photos by Thom Skelding
T
he Great Lakes Rodeo will be back this summer celebrating their 6th anniversary! The rodeo will be held Father’s Day weekend, June 18 and 19, at the Marquette County Fair Grounds in Marquette, Michigan. This event brings in professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the Midwest to participate and spectators from throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin to cheer them on. The event includes bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding, team roping and much more. Along with the professional riders, there will be events for the novice and local participants as well, including a Rodeo Royalty Contest. On Friday evening, the events will begin with the Queen and Court Horseman Skill Competition. The Saturday morning events start off with the Second Annual GLR Team Penning Competition followed by the first rodeo performance at 6 p.m. On Sunday, the second rodeo performance begins at 2 p.m., and during the intermission, we will be crowning the Rodeo Royalty! Did you know that you can camp for the whole weekend and even bring horses? Camping spots and stalls are available. Contact us for more information or reservations! Rodeo tickets can be purchased in advanced by calling 906.360.7069 or by visit-
ing the Lake Superior Partnership in Marquette beginning May 1! Tickets in advance are $10 for adults and $5 per child. At the gate, they will be $12 for adults and $6 for children! Come out and enjoy some great entertainment while supporting Youth Development in Marquette County. All profits raised from the GLR go back to Youth Development in Marquette County. If you are a youth group looking to apply for these funds, visit our website at www.greatlakesrodeo.com for details! Last year’s rodeo was a great success allowing us to send a grand total of donations to youth in Marquette County well over $10,000. With the continued dedication and loyalty of the community, we have been able to donate over $10,000 to several different youth organizations. Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 21
Equine Trailways Subcommittee By Jane Carmichael
H
ave you ever heard of the Right to Ride Bill? Have you ridden a horse on a trail in the last three years? If you answered yes to either or both of those questions you will want to learn more about the Equine Trailways Subcommittee. This subcommittee needs your help to develop recommendations for the DNRE Jane rides Hayle at Willow Farms, regarding equine trail riding in Michigan. Yes, Marquette that is most of us. Read on. Representatives from each part of the state of Michigan were appointed to be on the Equine Trailways Subcommittee (ETS) last summer. (July, 2010) There are 5 representatives from the equine community and I, Jane Carmichael, have been appointed to represent the Upper Peninsula. As the ETS members soon found out, the goals for this committee are easily stated, but to accomplish the goals will require a great deal of effort. Simply put, the ETS is to “Develop Recommendations and Provide them by June, 2011 regarding a Statewide Equine Trailways Network.” The tasks for the ETS committee members were outlined in the Right to Ride companion bills that were passed by the Michigan House and Senate in April, 2010. These were House Bill 4610 and Senate Bill 578 which are amendments to Public Act 451.
Here is part of the language from HB 4610: Within 1 year after the appointment of its members, prepare and submit to the advisory council a recommended plan for a statewide network of pack and saddle trailways. The recommended plan for a statewide pack and saddle trailways network shall include both of the following: (i) All pack and saddle trailways on state owned land that have previously been open for use by pack and saddle animals at any time and that the equine trailways subcommittee determines are appropriate for pack and saddle trailways. (ii) All additional state lands that the equine trailways subcommittee determines would be appropriate for pack and saddle animals and would contribute to a statewide network of pack and saddle trailways. (b) Advise the advisory council and the department on the development and use of the pack and saddle trailways network. (c) Advise the advisory council and the department on other matters related to the promotion of the state’s equine industry.
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ETS is part of the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council. (MSTAC) The ETS members are listed at the Department of Natural Resources website under Commissions, Boards and Committees: http://michigan.gov/documents/dnr/ETSMember_331829_7.pdf The schedule for meetings and the proposed agendas are also on that same website. ETS meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Act. You are invited to attend any of their meetings and to speak in the open forum of the meeting. What has the ETS accomplished so far? It has developed 3 surveys to poll the trail riders in Michigan regarding their use of trails and their opinions regarding the potential for expansion. If you are a trail rider, live in the Upper Peninsula, and have not already completed a survey, please consider taking a moment to do so. To request a survey, please contact Jane Carmichael at (906) 225-0406 or email: janecarmichael2000@yahoo.com
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 23
Equine Metabolic Syndrome By Gail L. Hoholik, DVM
In a recent nationwide survey (EQUUS Feb 2009) of 300 horse owners, 50% of their horses were determined to be overweight, and 19% were considered obese.
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any of these horses may be affected by Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), a term used to describe middle-aged obesity accompanied with insulin resistance and insidious-onset laminitis (founder). Clinical signs of laminitis commonly develop while horses are grazing spring pasture but can also occur at other times of the year and in horses without pasture access. Affected horses tend to be between 10-20 years of age and there does not appear to be a sex predilection. Ponies, domesticated Spanish Mustangs, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Andalusians, European Warmbloods, American Saddlebreds, Arabians, and Morgan horses are more commonly affected than other breeds; thus supporting a genetic predisposition. Page 24 • Pet Set Horse Source • Spring 2011
The cause of obesity is fairly straightforward: caloric intake exceeding daily caloric requirement. As horses have transitioned from beasts of burden to recreational companions, the physical condition of many horses has paralleled that of their human counterparts; they have been overfed and become more sedentary. Unfortunately, obesity has a number of metabolic consequences including insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, and a host of other metabolic abnormalities. The most obvious clinical sign that results from these metabolic alterations is laminitis. Often EMS is not recognized until laminitis develops. What is insulin resistance? Simply stated, IR is the metabolic state in which a greater amount of insulin is required to exert its phys-
iological effect when glucose is taken into the tissues. IR can be most easily documented using a blood test taken after an overnight fast. Alternately, a blood test can be taken 6090 minutes after a measured amount of sugar (in the form of Karo syrup) is given orally. The role of hypothyroidism in EMS is a cause for great debate. There is no evidence that EMS horses have lower levels of thyroid hormones or response to thyroid stimulation testing. However, EMS horses are commonly treated with thyroid supplementation and some owners feel that this really helps to “jump start” the horses weight loss. EMS management involves primarily “diet intervention.” The horse is fed limited low quality forage at 1.5% of body weight which is decreased weekly by 10% for 2-4 weeks until it reaches 1.5% of ideal body weight. The horse is removed from pasture and given a vitamin/mineral supplement along with increased exercise until it reaches a body con-
dition which would commonly be referred to as “ribby” and maintained at this condition. Exercise is defined as at least a 20 minute trot, 4-5X per week. There are a variety of products used to treat EMS and promote increased metabolism. Results vary, but many claim to have success and none have been documented to cause harmful side effects. Gail L. Hoholik, DVM, established an ambulatory large animal practice in 1983 and opened the Thompson Veterinary Clinic in Manistique in 1985. In 2004, the clinic added haul-in facilities for large animals which include ultrasound, radiography, standing surgery and power dentistry. Certified in Animal Chiropractic, Dr. Hoholik’s special interests are canine and equine chiropractic and performance issues, equine lameness and dentistry. Dr. Hoholik lives in Manistique with her three children, two dogs, three horses and two cats.
Spring 2011 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 25
Playing With Cows is Catching On! by Julie Savola
“The riders are in, the herd looks good, your number is 3!”
I
f this sounds at all familiar to you, you may have been a spectator or participated in a sport called Team Penning, the newest equine craze catching on in the UP. It is an exciting fast-paced sport that is friendly, yet competitive. How does it work? Three riders try to pick out three same numbered cows from a herd of 30 and drive them into a small pen at the opposite end of the arena while keeping wrong numbered cows, called trash, from crossing the foul line. This timed event and is an exciting spectator sport that is fun for the whole family. Beginners, novices, and experienced riders team up together for an experience that is sure to be exciting and filled with humor. Cows can be uncooperative at times and just when you think a run is looking like a success, it can fall apart very fast.
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This year promises to be filled with ample opportunity to get involved and get hooked by this fascinating sport. We are planning some fundraising events and a clinic to start out the season. If you would like to learn more about this exciting sport, or participate in a clinic, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need to have a special horse; all breeds of horses from ponies to draft horses, and horses that have never even seen a cow before have participated and had a blast doing it. If you don’t have a horse but like the sport, and would like to volunteer please let us know. Watch for Team Penning informational booths at the next equine event you attend. In the meantime, if you have questions please email: playingwithcows@gmail.com.
Team Penning Rules
Penning Terms:
1. Safety – ride to your ability. 2. Helmets required for riders under 18 year old. 3. No “roughing” the cattle or your horse. If called on it you forfeit your ride. 4. Be ready at the gate. 5. “Quickly” approach the time line; no lollygagging! 6. One trash cow allowed over the time line but it “MUST” be turned back before your time stops. More than one trash cow over time line = “NO TIME” run. 7. 90 second time clock. 8. You can not ‘touch’ the cattle with hands, reins etc. 9. You can not go all the way into the pen with cattle when penning. 10. Hand in the air means stop the time clock you are done with your ride.
Time/Foul Line: A Flag will drop when you cross the time/foul line, your time begins, flag goes up when your cows are in the pen and your hand goes up in the air. Trash Cow: A cow that is NOT your number that crosses the time/foul line. Settlers: Two people that stay in the arena after a run to ‘bunch’ up the herd. Cattle Counter: Device that helps you keep track of which numbers h a v e been called on a herd. Types of Classes: Open Class: Team of three picked by the riders–same team can not ride together more than once. Draw Pot: You are matched you up with two other riders Youth Class: Team of 18 & under matched by judges. One on one: One person goes into the arena to pen just one cow with a specified number.
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Emotions of Pet Loss by Joy Smith
''I never knew anything could hurt so badly. I cried an ocean of tears. I went thru self hatred for putting my pet to sleep, to depression, to acceptance. For a long time I couldn't even watch a dog food commercial.'' (Cheryl T-Alabama)
D
o these reactions to the loss of a pet strike a familiar chord in your heart? Grief, confusion, anger, guilt, and depression are all typical responses to the loss of a loved one. My name is Joy Smith and I own and operate Rivers Edge Pet Crematory in Ramsay, Michigan. I’ve spent the last 15 years training hunting and retrieving dogs along with basic obedience, and recently turned my passion for pets in the direction of pet loss. My goal is to educate the public on the process of pet cremation, cremation services offered through veterinary clinics as opposed to a privately operated crematorium. I will also
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address how to cope with the loss of a pet. Keep in mind there is no absolute pattern of grief. Your own reactions will depend on a variety of factors: your personality, type of relationship you had with your pet at it's time of death, as well as cultural and religious beliefs. Your reactions may be different from other pet owners and from other members in your household. For example: if your dog died peacefully at the ripe old age of 16, the shock and grief you feel may be less than if your pet died unexpectedly at the age of 2. If your cat was hit by a car or your dog choked, you will feel more guilt than you would if your pet had died of old age. You may feel the absence of a beloved companion more keenly and painfully if it was your only pet. You possibly will mourn the death of a particular pet more strongly than you mourned pets in the past due to some qualities of that pet or the relationship. Perhaps the most vital step in coping with the emotions upon the loss of a pet is acknowledging them. Let yourself feel; write down your feelings, call somebody, be angry or cry. It’s all right to be upset over losing your pet. You can't begin to cope with emotions until you let them out. Anger, guilt, denial and depression are all emotions of losing your friend and loyal companion. We’ll explore these emotions of pet loss further in the next issue of Pet Set Horse Source.
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